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Monday, June 24, 2013

Wacky, Wonderful Weirdos by Brenda Whiteside

Looking a little wacky

Everyone likes to people watch. The people who give the most enjoyment are like those wacky weirdos that get posted on Facebook as patrons of a certain department store. Truthfully, they really exist. Some of them are just not cognizant of the way they look, but there are others who are aiming for a certain "look".

Yesterday, while shopping, I saw what might qualify for wacky weirdos but oh so wonderful. This couple brought a smile to my face and I had to give them kudos for living out their image dream. They looked to be at least in their eighties. This very thin, white haired duo had dressed to the hilt. I would never attempt to wear the shoes the Mrs. had on - four inch platforms. Her skintight, leopard-print knee pants were topped by a hot pink tank top under a short sleeved, black jacket. Her hair was intricately piled on her head and woven with a pink scarf. While she was reaching for wild-sheik, Mr. wanted to look the athlete. His shorts were probably made for biking. His running shoes probably cost $200. The lime green, nylon shirt was pretty cool. He missed the mark with his straw island hat, but hey, it's probably his favorite hat.

Last night, we went to a bluegrass festival. Sitting on the curb, a front row seat for the street dancing, proved to be a hoot for people watching. A little guy about eleven or twelve in a Frank Sinatra hat, really had some moves. One family with four children was having a great time - all except for the young teen girl. Mom and Dad seemed like fun-loving, kind people although maybe Arizona's edition of hill folk. Teenager sat a few feet from them with her head buried in a hoodie.

I've written a couple of wacky characters. In Sleeping with the Lights On, Wesley is a millionaire who sleeps between cowboy print sheets, has a mansion with theme rooms and the naivety of a child. Yet is a good lover in spite of all his eccentric ways.

Bobby Stockwood is a redheaded cowboy in The Morning After. Although he's not weird, he's a bit wacky and a whole lot of wonderful. He marries Abigail in an impromptu wedding ceremony because he thoroughly believes in love at first sight.

Yep, you have to love wacky, weird people. To quote one of my favorite singers, Jimmy Buffett:

Fruitcakes in the kitchen
Fruitcakes on the street
Struttin’ naked through the crosswalk
In the middle of the week
Half-baked cookies in the oven
Half-baked people on the bus
There’s a little bit of fruitcake left in everyone of us

NOTE: I'LL BE ON THE ROAD FOR THE NEXT TWO WEEKS SO IF I DON'T RESPOND TO YOUR POST YOU'LL KNOW WHY!

8 comments:

People-watching is a great sport and is essential to writers. I loved your older couple. I know a woman in Austin, Texas who is just like the woman you described in leopard-print stretch pants. One day soon, I'm putting her spirit into a character. She just hasn't revealed herself to me yet. Cool post!